On Monday, October 14th, local officials in Guinea, a country in West Africa, reported that there was a protest against a Chinese mining company in the eastern part of the country, resulting in clashes between protesters and security forces, leading to at least two deaths.
According to reports from Agence France-Presse and African media, a protest against a Chinese mining company sparked unrest last Saturday in the village of Konkoi near the border with Mali.
Local officials stated that the protest also resulted in 4 injuries and approximately 40 people being arrested.
Local residents protested against the actions of the mining company, claiming it has led to severe environmental degradation and damage to farmlands.
During the protest, a 25-year-old man was shot in the chest and died, escalating the demonstration into a violent incident. Subsequently, a child under two years old died from inhaling tear gas fired by the security forces.
A villager who fled the scene told AFP reporters: “This regrettable situation was caused by the intervention of the defense and security forces, who fired on protesters and used tear gas.”
Abou Diallo, deputy head of a delegation from the nearby town of Dialakoro, confirmed the casualties and expressed regret over the situation.
“The village is now deserted. Everyone has left,” he told AFP. “The police were supposed to maintain order, but their violent actions have traumatized people.”
Guinea is rich in bauxite, iron ore, and gold mines, with many Chinese companies involved in mining activities in the country.
Despite its abundant natural resources, Guinea remains one of the least developed countries globally. Since the coup in 2021, the country has been under military rule, and protests are often met with violent repression.